εὐφραίνω

euphraínō /yoo-frah'-ee-no/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom εὖ and φρήν
Meaningto put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e. rejoice
KJV usagefare, make glad, be (make) merry, rejoice.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word euphraínō, represented by G2165, means to put someone in a good frame of mind, or to be in one. It is translated as to rejoice, be merry, make glad, or to fare sumptuously. Based on the root words for "good" and "mind," it describes a state of cheerfulness and gladness. It appears 16 times across 14 unique verses in the Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G2165 is used to describe both righteous celebration and worldly indulgence. Its most notable use is in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, where the father declares "let us eat, and be merry" Luke 15:23 because his son who was lost is now found Luke 15:24. This contrasts with its use by the rich fool, who tells his soul to "eat, drink, and be merry" based on his accumulated wealth Luke 12:19. The term also depicts the idolatrous joy of the Israelites who rejoiced in the golden calf they had made Acts 7:41. In Revelation, it is used for the command for heaven to rejoice over Babylon's judgment Revelation 18:20 as well as for the wicked on earth who make merry over the death of God's two prophets Revelation 11:10.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help define the scope of rejoicing and gladness:

  • G5463 chaírō (to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off): Often appearing with G2165, this word emphasizes a state of happiness. It was considered right to "make merry and be glad" over the prodigal son's return Luke 15:32.
  • G21 agalliáō (properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult): This signifies a more exuberant form of joy. It is paired with G2165 in a prophecy from the Psalms, where the heart did "rejoice" and the tongue "was glad" Acts 2:26.
  • G3076 lypéō (to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad): As a direct antonym, this word highlights the opposite of gladness. Paul uses this contrast when asking who can make him glad G2165 except the one he has made sorry G3076 2 Corinthians 2:2.
  • G5315 phágō (to eat (literally or figuratively)): The act of eating is frequently connected to the merriment of G2165, particularly in the context of feasting, such as "let us eat, and be merry" Luke 15:23.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2165 depends entirely on the source of the joy.

  • The Joy of Restoration: The word's highest use is for celebrating what was spiritually dead and is now "alive again" (Luke 15:24, 15:32). This points to the joy that accompanies repentance and salvation.
  • The Gladness of Prophetic Fulfillment: It is used in calls for God's people to rejoice in His redemptive plan, such as when the barren are told to rejoice Galatians 4:27 and the Gentiles are invited to rejoice with His people Romans 15:10.
  • A Warning Against Worldly Merriment: The gladness of the rich fool Luke 12:19 and the rich man who "fared sumptuously" Luke 16:19 are portrayed as fleeting and tied to earthly possessions, serving as a warning against misplaced priorities.
  • The Rejoicing of the Wicked: The word can describe a corrupt and sinful joy, as seen when people make merry over the apparent defeat of God's prophets Revelation 11:10 or when they rejoice in an idol Acts 7:41.

Summary

In summary, G2165 captures a wide spectrum of gladness, from celebratory feasting to deep-seated joy. Its meaning is defined by its object. While it can signify the profound happiness of divine restoration and righteous celebration, it also serves to illustrate the hollow and sinful nature of merriment that is rooted in worldly wealth, idolatry, or wickedness.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 14 occurrences, inflected in 13 grammatical forms.

  • Present Passive Imperative 2nd Singular 2×
  • Aorist Passive Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Infinitive 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 1st Plural 1×
  • Aorist Passive Subjunctive 1st Singular 1×
  • Imperfect Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Passive Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Passive Infinitive 1×

+ 1 rarer form

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 14 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Luke (6 verses).

6
Luke
2
Acts
1
Romans
1
2 Corinthians
1
Galatians
3
Revelation

Verse Explorer

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